Michael S. Schwartz was appointed Chairman of the Board by President Bush in 2003, and reappointed to a second term of office in 2007.

Before his appointment to the Board, Mr. Schwartz served under three governors during a long career with the State of Illinois.  He served as Assistant to the Director of Professional Regulation (1985-1986); Executive Assistant to the Director of Revenue (1986-1988); and Assistant Director of Personnel, Office of Governor (1988-1989).

Mr. Schwartz also served as Associate Director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) from 1989 to 1995.  As a Cabinet member, he served as Director of CMS from 1995 to 2002.  Prior to his service with the State he was an elementary school teacher in New Berlin, Illinois.

A native of Illinois, Mr. Schwartz received his B.S. degree in Education from Illinois State University (1975), and his M.A. degree in Educational Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield (1980).